Collapsible signage structures

ABSTRACT

A collapsible structure includes at least three panels, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.

RELATED CASES

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 10/872,927, filedJun. 21, 2004, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/438,679, filed May15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,163, which is a continuation of Ser.No. 10/150,358, filed May 16, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,185, whichis a continuation of Ser. No. 09/847,248, filed May 2, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,390,111, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/633,947,filed Aug. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,826, which is a division ofSer. No. 09/162,086, filed Sep. 28, 1998, abandoned, which is a divisionof Ser. No. 08/859,876, filed May 21, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,279,which is a division of Ser. No. 08/627,875, filed Apr. 3, 1996, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,664,596, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/281,369,filed Jul. 27, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/024,690, filed Mar. 1, 1993, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.07/764,784, filed Sep. 24, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,705, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by this reference as though setforth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and inparticular, to collapsible signage and barrier structures which may beprovided in a variety of shapes and sizes. The collapsible structuresmay be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structuresto facilitate convenient storage and use.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,301,705 and 5,816,279 illustrate examples ofcollapsible structures that can be used for a variety of differentapplications. For example, the structures shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,301,705 and 5,816,279 have been used as shelters, toy structures,tents, hunting blinds, hampers, storage units, and covers, among otherdevices.

There are many signage structures provided for use in the marketplace.Most of the conventional signage products are comprised of plasticpanels having the desired words or message(s) imprinted on the surfacesof these plastic panels. Unfortunately, plastic panels can be bulky andheavy. In particular, where the signage needs to be larger, largerplastic panels can be very inconvenient and difficult to use, as well asbeing expensive.

Similarly, many barriers are erected to shield or keep constructionsites, precious objects or dangerous objects away from people. Otherbarriers are used to define a path of travel or motion for people.Unfortunately, most of these conventional barriers are made from wood,plastic or metal, so that these barriers are heavy, bulky, expensive andnot conveniently transportable.

In light of the above, there still remains a need for signage andbarriers that can be provided in a convenient, light-weight andcost-effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, thecollapsible structure according to the present invention comprises atleast three panels, each panel comprising a foldable frame member havinga folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions ofeach frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the framemember is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to eachother along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose aspace. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of thepanels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a partial cut-away view of the section A of the structure ofFIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within a sleeve.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred connectionbetween two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line2-2 thereof.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a second preferred connectionbetween two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 1 taken along line2-2 thereof.

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG.1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate different embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratinggeneral principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of theinvention is best defined by the appended claims.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the basic component for a collapsiblestructure according to the present invention comprises a module 20.Referring to FIG. 1, the module 20 comprises four side panels 22 a, 22b, 22 c and 22 d connected to each other to encircle an enclosed space.Each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d has four sides, a left side 26a, a bottom side 26 b, a right side 26 c and a top side 26 d. Each sidepanel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d has a continuous frame retaining sleeve24 a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 d provided along and traversing the four edges ofits four sides 26 a, 26 b, 26 c and 26 d. A continuous frame member 28a, 28 b, 28 c or 28 d is retained or held within each frame retainingsleeve 24 a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 d, respectively, to support each sidepanel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d. Only the frame member 28 c is shown inFIG. 1A; the other frame members 28 a, 28 b and 28 d are not shown butare the same as frame member 28 c.

The continuous frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d may be providedas one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of material connected atboth ends to form a continuous loop. The continuous frame members 28 a,28 b, 28 c and 28 d are preferably formed of flexible coilable steel,although other materials such as plastics may also be used. The framemembers should be made of a material which is relatively strong and yetis flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to be coiled. Thus, eachframe member 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d is capable of assuming twopositions or orientations, an open or expanded position such as shown inFIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame member is collapsed intoa size which is much smaller than its open position (see FIG. 3(E)).

Fabric or sheet material 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d extends across eachside panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, respectively, and is held taut bythe respective frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d when in its openposition. The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaning and shouldbe made from strong, lightweight materials and may include wovenfabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The fabric should bewater-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associatedwith rough treatment. The frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d may bemerely retained within the respective frame retaining sleeves 24 a, 24b, 24 c and 24 c without being connected thereto. Alternatively, theframe retaining sleeves 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d may be mechanicallyfastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28c and 28 d, respectively, to retain them in position.

FIG. 2A illustrates one possible connection for connecting adjacentedges of two side panels 22 a and 22 d. The fabric pieces 30 a and 30 dare stitched at their edges by a stitching 34 to the respective sleeves24 a and 24 d. Each sleeve 24 a and 24 d may be formed by folding apiece of fabric. The stitching 34 also acts as a hinge for the sidepanels 22 a and 22 d to be folded upon each other, as explained below.The connections for the three other pairs of adjacent edges may beidentical. Thus, the connections on the left side 26 a and the rightside 26 c of each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d act as hingeconnections for connecting an adjacent side panel.

At the top side 26 d and the bottom side 26 b of each side panel 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacentside panel, the frame retaining sleeve 24 a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 b may beformed by merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece andapplying a stitching 35 (see FIG. 1A). The fabric piece for thecorresponding side panel may then be stitched to the sleeve.

FIG. 2B illustrates another possible connection for connecting adjacentedges of two side panels 22 a and 22 d. As in the connection of FIG. 2A,the fabric pieces 30 a and 30 d are folded over at their edges at bottomside 26 b and top side 26 d to define the respective sleeves 24 a and 24d. However, the frame retaining sleeves 24 a and 24 d converge at, orare connected to, one sleeve portion which interconnects side panels 22a and 22 d to form a singular frame retaining sleeve 40 which retainsthe frame members 28 a and 28 d. Sleeve 40 may be formed by providing atubular fabric, or by folding a piece of fabric, and applying astitching 42 to its edges to connect the sleeve 40 to the fabric pieces30 a and 30 d. Stitching 42 acts as a hinge for the side panels 22 a and22 d. The connections for the three other pairs of adjacent edges may beidentical.

An optional upper panel 32 comprised of fabric 30 e may also beconnected to the upper edge 26 d of each side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and22 d. The upper panel 32 is preferably made of the same type of fabricas the side panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d.

Openings 38 may be provided in some or all of the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22c, 22 d and 32. These openings 38 may be of any shape (e.g., triangular,circular, rectangular, square, diamond, etc.) and size. These openings38 allow air to pass through them so that the structure 20 can be lesssusceptible to being toppled if a blast of wind were to blow directly atthe structure 20.

While the module 20 of FIG. 1 is shown and described as having four sidepanels, each having four sides, it will be appreciated that a module maybe made of any number of side panels, each having any number of sides,without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, each module may have three or more side panels, and eachside panel may have three or more sides (see FIG. 5). Thus, the moduleof the present invention may take a variety of external shapes. However,each side panel of the module, regardless of its shape, is supported byat least one continuous frame member.

FIGS. 3(A) through 3(E) describe the various steps for folding andcollapsing the module 20 of FIG. 1 for storage. In FIG. 3(A), the firststep consists of pushing in side panels 22 a and 22 d such that sidepanel 22 d collapses upon side panel 22 c and side panel 22 a collapsesupon side panel 22 b. Then, in the second step shown in FIG. 3(B), thetwo side panels 22 a and 22 b are folded so as to be collapsed upon thetwo side panels 22 c and 22 d, to form a stack of four flat panels 22 a,22 b, 22 c, 22 d. The structure is then twisted and folded to collapsethe frame members and side panels into a smaller shape. In the thirdstep shown in FIG. 3(C), the opposite border 44 of the structure isfolded in upon the previous fold to further collapse the frame memberswith the side panels. As shown in FIG. 3(D), the fourth step is tocontinue the collapsing so that the initial size of the structure isreduced. FIG. 3(E) shows the fifth step with the frame members and sidepanels collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentiallycompact configuration having a plurality of concentric frame members andlayers of the side panels so that the collapsed structure has a sizewhich is a fraction of the size of the initial structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment where the module 20 of FIGS. 1-3E canbe used as a collapsible sign. Since the structure 120 in FIG. 4 has thesame construction as the structure 20 in FIG. 1, the same numerals willbe used to designate the same elements in FIGS. 1 and 4 except than a“1” will be added to precede the numerals in FIG. 4. The sign structure120 has four panels 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d that can have the sameconstruction and hinged connections as the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 din FIGS. 1-3E, except that the shape of the panels 122 a, 122 b, 122 c,122 d is modified. Specifically, the top side 126 d of each panel isshorter than the bottom side 126 b of each panel so that the structure120 has a generally truncated pyramidal configuration. Also, the upperpanel 32 can be omitted from the structure 120.

Openings 138 can be provided in one or more panels 122 a, 122 b, 122 c,122 d, and these openings 138 can be similar to the openings 38. Inaddition, flaps 155 can be provided in some of these openings 138. Theflaps 155 can be formed by providing a U-shaped cut on the fabric 130,and these flaps 155 function to allow some air to pass through, but notas much air as if the opening 138 were not covered by a flap 155.

Images 125 can be provided on some or all of the panels 122 a, 122 b,122 c, 122 d to deliver the intended message. As used herein, the word“image(s)” shall include depictions, letters, illustrations and words.For example, the image(s) 125 can contain the name of a restaurant orstore so that the structure 120 can be used as a sign for a restaurantor store. As other examples, the image(s) 125 can contain instructions(e.g., “DO NOT ENTER”, “TURN LEFT TO HALEY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY”, etc.),warnings (e.g., “WET”), advertisements, novelty images (e.g., a smilingface), banners (e.g., the school enblem for a university or professionalsports team), and announcements (e.g., “BIRTHDAY PARTY CANCELED”), amongothers.

The image(s) 125 can be provided on a patch that can removably attachedto the outer surface of the fabric 130 via a removable connectionmechanism (not shown), such as but not limited to VELCRO™ pads, hooks,snaps, detachable zippers, and fasteners, among others. Thus, thestructure 120 can be used to display a variety of different image(s) atdifferent times by changing the images 125, depending upon the desiresof the user.

A handle 145 can be provided along the top sides of the panels 122 a,122 b, 122 c, 122 d for lifting the structure 120.

In addition, a weight 150 can be provided adjacent the corners of thebottom sides 126 b of each panel 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d. The weight150 can be embodied in the form of a plastic or metal rod, a beanie bag,or any object that has enough weight to provide stability to thestructure 120. The weight 150 can be retained inside a pocket 152 thatis sewn to the inside or outside of the fabric 130. The weight 150 canaccess the pocket 152 via a pocket opening 154. The weights 150 functionto provide greater stability to the sign structure 120 to prevent itfrom being toppled when in use. Thus, the number and actual weight ofthese weights 150 can be distributed and arranged in a manner tooptimize the stability provided to the structure 120 when it is deployedfor use in the configuration shown in FIG. 4.

The structure 120 can be folded and collapsed in the manner illustratedin connection with FIGS. 3A-3E. To deploy the structure 120 for use, thepanels 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d are opened, and the spring memory ofthe frame members of the panels will cause the panels to spring open tothe open or expanded position. The user can then separate the panels 122a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d into the orientation shown in FIG. 1 and theninsert the weights 150 into the pockets 152, and the structure 120 isready for use as a signage structure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a signage structure 220 that is essentially the samein construction as the structure 120, so the same numerals will be usedto designate the same elements in FIGS. 4 and 5 except than a “2” willprecede the numerals in FIG. 5. The structure 220 has only three panels222 a, 222 b, 222 c. To accomodate three (as opposed to four) panels,one of the hinged connections 234 can be a removable connection (e.g.,the side edges are connected by a VELCRO™, hook, or other similarremovable connection) so that the connection between the panels 222 a,222 c can be removed and the three panels 222 a, 222 b, 222 c can besubsequently folded one on top of each other to provide a stack of threeflat panels 222 a, 222 b, 222 c that can be folded and collapsedaccording to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E. Openings 238 (andflaps 255), and image(s) 225, can be provided in one or more of thepanels 222 a, 222 b, 222 c, and weights 250 (e.g., sand) can be providedin pockets 252 that extend along the entire length of the bottom side226 b of the panels 222 a, 222 b, 222 c.

FIG. 6 illustrates how the module 20 shown in FIG. 1 can be furthermodified to function as a protective barrier. In particular, theenclosed space defined by the ring of panels can be used to retain orsurround an object or area that either poses danger or requiresprotection, with the panels functioning to prevent access to the objector area. For example, the structure 320 can be the same as the structure20, so the same numerals will be used to designate the same elements inFIGS. 1 and 6 except than a “3” is added to precede the numerals in FIG.6. The upper panel 32 can be omitted from the structure 320. The panels322 a, 322 b, 322 c, 322 d of the structure 320 encircle or enclose anobject 360 from which access is to be denied. For example, the object360 can be a museum exhibit, with the structure 320 functioning as abarricade or wall. As another example, the object 360 can be aconstruction item, with the structure 320 functioning to protect orshield people from the object 360.

As an alternative, additional panels 322 e, 322 f can be hingedlyconnected to any of the other hinged connections to provide additionalwalls, partitions or barricades for use. These additional panels 322 e,322 f can have the same construction as any of the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22c, 22 d, and the hinged connection to any of the existing hingedconnections can be the same as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385.

Openings 338 (and flaps), and image(s) 325, can be provided in one ormore of the panels 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, 322 d, 322 e, 322 f, and weightscan be provided in pockets 352 that are provided in the corners (or theycan extend along the entire length) of the bottom side 326 b of one ormore of the panels 322 a, 322 b, 322 c, 322 d, 322 e. The image(s) 325can be warning messages or descriptions of the protected item, amongothers.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

1. A collapsible structure, comprising: at least three panels, eachpanel comprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member havinga folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions ofeach frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the framemember is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connectedto each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels thatenclose a space; an image provided on the fabric of at least one of thepanels; and a weight coupled to at least one of the panels.
 2. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the image is removably connected to thefabric.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the fabric of each panelincludes at least one opening.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein theat least one panel has a pocket in which the weight is retained.
 5. Thestructure of claim 4, wherein the at least one panel is a first panel,further including a second weight coupled to a second panel.
 6. Thestructure of claim 5, wherein the second panel has a pocket in which thesecond weight is retained.
 7. The structure of claim 1, wherein thepanels are hingedly connected along their side edges.
 8. The structureof claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels is flat.
 9. The structureof claim 1, wherein the weight is removable from the at least one panel.10. A method for displaying a message, comprising: a. providing acollapsible structure, comprising: at least three panels, each panelcomprising at least two side edges, a foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions ofeach frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the framemember is in the unfolded orientation, wherein the panels are connectedto each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels thatenclose a space; and a weight coupled to at least one of the panels. b.providing the message on the fabric of at least one of the panels. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein step (b) includes removably connectingthe message to the fabric.
 12. The method of claim 10, further includingproviding at least one opening on the fabric of each panel.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, further including connecting side edges of thepanels.
 14. The method of claim 10, further including providing theweight in a pocket of the first panel.
 15. The method of claim 14,further including providing another weight in a pocket of the secondpanel.
 16. The method of claim 10, further including: folding the panelsone on top of each other to form a stack of panels; and twisting andfolding the stack of panels to form a plurality of concentric framemembers and layers of the panels.
 17. A collapsible barrier, comprising:at least three panels, each panel comprising at least two side edges, afoldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and afabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for eachframe member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation,wherein the panels are connected to each other along their side edges toform a ring of panels that enclose a space; and a weight coupled to atleast one of the panels.
 18. The barrier of claim 17, further includingan image provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels.